2014 Autumn Buzzard

Come out, ’tis now September

A scene from the Stag’s Head, Swalcliffe.(The photo didn’t scale well, but I thought this effect was rather pleasant.)

What a summer! It’s been packed with dance outs, weekends of dance, fêtes and festivals. Since the last Buzzard, we have danced:

15 dance outs at 13 different pubs and villages;

at 8 festivals / fêtes or street parties (including one impromptu set at Towersey);

at two weekends of dance.

We’ve also made three appearances in the local press – twice for Botley Festival, and in one article about Levellers’ Day (albeit in a photograph from some years ago.)

We already have many photos (and a few videos) from these events in our blog and, thanks to internet trickery, you can easily review some of what we got up to in each of May, June, July, and August. I also stumbled upon this video from a spectator at Oxford Folk Weekend.

There were a couple of events of particular note for being a little different from our regular outings. First, we were invited to run a music and dance workshop at the Oxford Folk Weekend. This was thoroughly enjoyable for the Havocs and, I hope (and it seemed), its participants: Jim made an able instructor, and Mick learned how to count to four slowly.

The second unusual event was one at which Cry Havoc has performed before, but not for many years, namely the Woodstock Mock Mayor Election. Being unfamiliar with the custom, there were a few surprises, but that only added to the fun. In particular some quick thinking was required when, the musicians having struck up Skirmish on a request from the town crier to play, it became apparent that the Mayor and Mock Mayor were expected to perform a dance with us. Thankfully, Jim was able to get Havocs, Mayor, Mock Mayor and some of his entourage to form up into rows and perform Bonny Green to the tune of Skirmish. All this was achieved in the space of only a few steps, and seemingly effortlessly – all in all, we came out of it looking pretty sharp, and not one of us ended up in the river!

Cry Havoc leads the Old Woodstock Mock Mayor procession, some years ago.

As any pessimist will tell you, though, every silver lining has a cloud; in our case, it is that we have had to say farewell to some good friends. Firstly, this summer was Claire’s last with Cry Havoc, as she moved to Cumbria in August. She will be missed (as, no doubt, will her pease pudding at the Vale Ale), but we hope she may be able to join us for our ale – and I’m sure we’d be able to rustle up some kit if she were visiting Oxford any time when were dancing out! Secondly, we were sad to say goodbye to Karen and Phil as they left the Prince of Wales in Shippon, this summer. During their 5-year tenure at the pub, they have made excellent hosts for the Havocs, for dance outs, sessions, Christmas dinners, and, of course, our 20th anniversary celebrations. We hopefully gave them a good send off, and there have been sightings of them at both the PoW and the 8 Bells since handing over the keys. To the new managers, Cheryl and Kevin, we offer a warm welcome, and I’m pleased to say that they are happy for us to continue dancing at the pub.

Claire at the West Berks. Brewery

Our AGM will take place this week, and then it’s on into practice season in earnest, next Thursday. Hopefully, we may be joined by a few new faces.

Thanks to Pete, Charlotte, and John for doing excellent jobs as Squire, Bagman and Foreman, to Jim for keeping our blog current with photos and videos, and to all those who have submitted photos and videos. Finally, thanks to all the Havocs, family and friends for turning up, dancing, singing and playing, and making our events over summer so enjoyable!